Projector

ABSTRACT

A projector for separating white light into three primary colors, forming images with liquid crystal light valves, mixing these images, and projecting an enlarged picture of the mixed images with a projection lens. The projector includes an optical unit having a light source, a plurality of dichroic mirrors for separating the white light into blue, green, and red beams, respective liquid crystal light valves forming images of the blue, green, and red colors. The optical unit has a chassis with a rigid center portion at which one of the liquid crystal light valves is mounted, the other two light valves being mounted symmetrically with respect thereto. An adjustment mechanism is provided for matching pixels of the second and third color valves with those of the first color valve. The red color liquid crystal light valve is disposed midway between the blue and green color liquid crystal light valves and a cooling fan is disposed below the red color liquid crystal light valve.

Notice: More than one reissue application has been filed for the reissueof U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,599. The reissue applications are applicationSer. Nos. 09/362,623 (reissue of U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,599, now issued asRE 40,296), 11/802,079 (the present application, which is a continuationreissue of Ser. No. 09/362,623 filed Jul. 28, 1999).

This application is a divisional of U.S. Pat. No. 07/938,261, filed Oct.21, 1992 and now U.S. Pat. No. 5,418,586.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a projection type liquid crystalprojector for separating white light obtained from for example a videotape into three primary colors, forming images with liquid crystalpanels (liquid crystal light valves), mixing the images, and projectingan enlarged picture with a projection lens.

RELATED ARTS

In a conventional projection type liquid crystal projector as disclosedin Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication Serial No. SHO 63-247720, whitelight is separated into three primary colors with dichroic mirrors. Withliquid crystal light valves respective images of these colors areformed. Thereafter, with an image mixing mirror, these images are mixed.Next, with a projection lens, the mixed image is enlarged and thenprojected.

With the above-mentioned projection type liquid crystal projector, pixelpositions of the liquid crystal light valves, which form blue, green,and red images, cannot be relatively adjusted. In addition, due todeviation of the mounting angles of reflection mirrors disposed in therespective optical paths to the projection lens, the optical axis isdeviated. Moreover, due to deviation of the mounting angles of theliquid crystal light valves to their optical axes, when the threeprimary colors are mixed, the resultant image is deviated. Thedeviations of positions of the liquid crystal light valves for blue,green, and red colors to the projection lens result in an out-of-focusimage. As a result, the quality of picture being projected isdeteriorated.

To solve these problems, the mounting position and the mounting angle ofthe liquid crystal light valve for each color should be adjusted.Nevertheless, in the conventional apparatuses, only a means for movingthe mounting positions with eccentric pins or adjustment screws isprovided. However, in the apparatus where the positions of the liquidcrystal light valves are adjusted with the eccentric pins, the rotatingdirection of the eccentric pin and the moving direction of each liquidcrystal light valve are not uniformly determined. Thus, the adjustmentof movement to a desired direction is very difficult to do. In addition,the eccentric pins are not easy to machine. Moreover, E rings, nuts, andso forth are required to secure the eccentric pins. Consequently, thenumber of parts increases and the assembling work takes a long time,resulting in raising the production cost of the apparatus.

On the other hand, so far, the conventional liquid crystal light valvesare designed and produced for use in designated colors. In particular,the specifications of the liquid crystal light valves for forming agreen image whose relative visibility is high are severe. In contrast,the specifications of the liquid crystal light valve for forming a blueimage whose specific visibility is low are comparatively less severe.Thus, even if a liquid crystal light valve which can be satisfactorilyused for blue color cannot be used for green color. Therefore, in thissituation, this valve should be treated as an unacceptable item.Consequently, the yield of these liquid crystal light valves is low,thereby raising the production cost.

In addition, the conventional projection type liquid crystal projectoris provided with two fans which are an air intake fan and an air exhaustfan as cooling means. With these fans, the interior of the apparatus iscooled. However, lacking sufficient analysis of the air flow paths andso forth, the spherical portion of a light source (metal halide lamp),an UV and IR filter portion, polarizing plate, a liquid crystal panel,electric parts for an exhaust opening, electric devices, and so forthare not satisfactorily cooled. Thus, these constructional parts areheated to temperatures close to their limit values. On the other hand,there are demands of brighter projectors of low-noise in themarketplace. However, the conventional cooling means cannot satisfy suchdemands. Unless the above-mentioned constructional parts aresatisfactorily cooled, problems such as deteriorating image quality anddecreasing service life would take place. An increase of the size andweight of the projector is not permitted and, the conventionaltechniques have not satisfied such requirements. In particular, thelight source is not satisfactorily cooled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to enable a projection type liquidcrystal projector to clearly display images and to provide a projectorwhich is small in size, easy to adjust, and high in reliability. Anotherobject of the present invention is to provide a projection type liquidcrystal projector having high cooling efficiency by an arrangement ofrelevant constructional parts, of small and thin construction, andexcellent properties with respect to operability, durability, andmaintainability. A further another object of the present invention isprovide a projection type liquid crystal projector having a projectionlight source which is free of deteriorations of image quality such asdeviations of intensity, colors, and picture elements (pixels) and alighting unit having a long service life as the light source.

The projection type liquid crystal projector according to the presentinvention comprises optical means, comprising a light source, aplurality of dichroic mirrors for separating white light emitted by thelight source into beams of blue, green, and red colors, respectiveliquid crystal light valves for forming images of the beams of blue,green, and red colors so as to form optical paths, and a projectionlens, wherein the optical means is characterized in that at a centerportion of a chassis made of rigid members a first color type valve ofthe liquid crystal light valves for forming the blue, green, and redcolors, second and third color type valves of the liquid crystal lightvalves being disposed at positions symmetrical to the first color valve,and wherein the projection type liquid crystal projector furthercomprises an adjustment mechanism for mutually matching pixels of thesecond and third color valves with those of the first color valve.

Thus, the positions and angles of the liquid crystal light valves can beeasily and securely adjusted. In addition, the deviations of colorimages and out-of-focus condition can be prevented. Consequently, thequality of the projected images can be improved.

The adjustment mechanism includes a plurality of members slidablerelative to each other and provided with notches. Into these notches, atool such as a screwdriver can be inserted so as to perform anadjustment operation.

The chassis on which the liquid crystal light valves, mirrors, and soforth are fixed is made of a metal plate. The periphery of the chassisis formed by bending or drawing operations.

In addition, the projection type liquid crystal projector according tothe present invention comprises a white lamp, dichroic mirrors forseparating light of the white lamp into beams of three colors of red,green, and blue, and liquid crystal light valves for transmitting thebeams of three colors and for forming images, wherein a blue color typevalves for forming a blue image of the liquid crystal light valves hasthe same construction as a green color type valve thereof so as to havecompatibility with each other.

Further, the projection type liquid crystal projector according to thepresent invention comprises a case substantially of a rectangularparallelepiped shape, a base plate disposed in the case, a lamp housingunit having a projection light source, an optical unit, comprising imageforming liquid crystal light valves, light mixing and separatingmirrors, dichroic mirrors, prepolarizers, and a projection lens, thelamp housing unit and the optical unit being disposed on the base plateso that a main optical path and the outer shape is of a plane L shape,the projection lens facing a window of the front of the case, one end ofthe lamp housing unit facing a window of a lamp housing cover on a sideof the case and the other an air exhaust opening in the rear of thecase, a power unit and a lamp stabilizer disposed in a space surroundedby the plane L shape portion, the front and the side of the case, an airintake regulating plate disposed below the liquid crystal light valves,an air intake fan disposed below the air intake regulating plate, avideo board disposed between a side of the case and the light guideunit, a liquid crystal drive board unit disposed midway between the topof the case and the top of the light guide unit, an air exhaust fandisposed midway between the air exhaust opening in the rear of the caseand the lamp housing unit, and a lamp fan disposed in front of a lightemitting surface of the lamp housing unit.

Furthermore, as cooling means of the light source, the air exhaust fandisposed adjacent to the lamp housing and a small blowing lamp fandisposed adjacent to a reflector opening portion of the lamp reflectorare provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing optical paths and principalparts of an optical system in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partial assembly sectional view showing a part of anadjustment mechanism for fixing and moving in the focus direction aliquid crystal light bulb in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial assembly plan view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an assembly exploded view showing an adjustment mechanism formatching pixels of the liquid crystal light bulbs;

FIG. 5 is a partial assembly exploded view showing a part of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partial assembly exploded view showing the adjustmentmechanism for fixing and moving in the focus direction the liquidcrystal light bulbs, the mechanism being used for reference of matchingthe pixels;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a modified embodiment of anadjustment and operation mechanism portion;

FIG. 8 is a detail view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an application of the adjustment andoperation mechanism portion;

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a chassis and a cover;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the chassis;

FIGS. 12 and 13 are plan views showing the compatibility of liquidcrystal light bulbs;

FIG. 14 is a schematic assembly plan view showing the entireconstruction of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing an optical;

FIG. 16 is a detail assembly plan view showing the optical unit;

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing the case;

FIG. 18 is a front view of the case;

FIG. 19 is a rear view of the case;

FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the case;

FIG. 21 is a partial assembly plan view;

FIG. 22 is a plan view showing parts of an air intake regulating plateof FIG. 14;

FIG. 23 is a plan view showing parts of a lower light guide of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a rear view showing parts of the lower light guide;

FIG. 25 is a side view showing parts of the lower light guide;

FIG. 26 is a front view showing parts of the lower light guide;

FIG. 27 is a sectional view showing parts of the lower light guide;

FIG. 28 is an assembly plan view showing a lamp housing unit andportions adjacent thereto;

FIG. 29 is an assembly left side view excluding the case;

FIG. 30 is an assembly sectional view showing a lamp cover and portionsadjacent thereto;

FIG. 31 is an assembly plan view showing a lamp fan block;

FIG. 32 is an assembly plan view showing the lamp fan block;

FIG. 33 is a front view showing window frame parts;

FIG. 34 is an assembly sectional view showing the lamp housing unit andportions adjacent thereto;

FIG. 35 is an assembly rear view showing the lamp housing unit and theportions adjacent thereto;

FIG. 36 is an assembly side view showing the lamp housing unit and theportions adjacent thereto;

FIG. 37 is an assembly sectional side view showing an inner housing;

FIG. 38 is an assembly sectional front view showing the inner housing;

FIG. 39 is an assembly front view showing the inner housing;

FIG. 40 is an assembly left side view showing the inner housing;

FIG. 41 is an assembly front view showing the inner housing;

FIG. 42 is a left side view showing outer housing parts;

FIG. 43 is an assembly right side view showing the outer housing parts;

FIG. 44 is a plan view showing the outer housing parts;

FIG. 45 is a front view showing inner housing parts;

FIG. 46 is a side view showing lamp connector plate parts;

FIG. 47 is a plan view showing the lamp connector plate parts;

FIG. 48 is a circuit block diagram of a lamp fan;

FIG. 49 is a circuit block diagram of a lamp fan;

FIG. 50 is a plan view of an air intake regulating plate;

FIG. 51 is a plan view of an air intake regulating plate;

FIG. 52 is a bottom view showing a case;

FIG. 53 is a rear view showing the case;

FIG. 54 is a bottom view showing the case;

FIG. 55 is a rear view showing the case;

FIG. 56(a) to (d) are schematic diagrams showing test results ofiso-speed distribution of an air intake fan;

FIG. 57 is a perspective front view showing the construction of alighting unit including a cooling means of a lamp; and

FIG. 58 is a perspective side view showing the lighting unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an optical system of anembodiment according to the present invention. Reference numeral 1 is alight source. Reference numeral 2 is a blue dichroic mirror whichreflects blue light and allows other colors of light to pass through(hereinafter, this mirror is referred to as B.D.M.). Reference numerals3a and 3b are red dichroic mirrors which reflect red light and allowsother colors of light to pass through (hereinafter these mirrors arereferred to as R.D.M.). Reference numerals 4a and 4b are reflectionmirrors. Reference numeral 5 is a dichroic mirror which allows greenlight to pass through, reflects other colors of light, and mixes red,green, and blue colors of light (hereinafter, this mirror is referred toas a mixing mirror). Reference numerals 6a, 6b, and 6c are condenserlenses. Reference numeral 7a is a liquid crystal light valve for formingan image of blue light. Likewise, reference numerals 7b and 7c areliquid crystal light valve for forming images of red and green colors oflight, respectively. Reference numeral 8 is a chassis for holding andfixing the above-mentioned parts. Reference numeral 9 is a projectionlens. The above-mentioned parts 2, 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5, 6a, 6b, 6c, 7a,7b, 7c, which are fixed and held with the chassis 8, form an opticalmeans.

Now, the path of light in the optical means will be described. The lightsource 1 generates white light 1w. The B.D.M. 2 reflects only the raysin the wavelength range of blue, namely blue color 1b of light 1w andthe other rays of light in other wavelength ranges (yellow light) topass through. The R.D.M. 3a only reflects rays having a wavelength rangeof red 1R of the light 1Y and allows the remaining green rays 1G to passthrough. The beam of rays 1G is condensed by the condenser lens 6c andthen an image is formed thereby as a beam 1g. The beam 1g is reflectedbeam the reflection mirror 4b. Thereafter, the beam 1g passes throughthe mixing mirror 5. Then, the beam 1g is projected onto a screen by theprojection lens 9. The blue beam 1B is reflected by the reflectionmirror 4a. Then, the blue ray 1B passes through the condenser lens 6a.Thereafter, the liquid crystal light valve 7a forms an image as a ray1b. Then, the ray 1b passes through the R.D.M. 3b and comes to themixing mirror 5. Likewise, the red ray 1R passes through the condenserlens 6b and comes to the liquid crystal light valve 7b. Then, the liquidcrystal light bulb 7b forms an image as a ray 1r. The ray 1r isreflected with the R.D.M. 3b and then comes to the mixing mirror S. Themixing mirror 5 reflects the rays 1b and 1r mixes the rays of threeprimary colors 1g, 1b, and 1r as a displayable picture. The projectionlens 9 projects the picture on the screen.

It should be appreciated that the liquid crystal light valve 7b disposedin the middle position of the optical means can be used for the red rayof light, the liquid crystal light valve 7a for green ray of light, andthe liquid crystal light valve 7c for blue ray of light. Since eachdichroic mirror disposed in the optical path has an inclination to theoptical axis, different optical paths take place. Thus, in thisconstruction, singe green ray having high relative visibility is notused, astigmatism and thereby unsharpness can be prevented.

To clearly display a picture, it is necessary to mix the rays 1g, 1b,and 1r in such a way that their mutual positions do not deviate. Thus,the mutual pixel positions of the liquid crystal light valves 7a, 7b,and 7c should be accurately matched each other. In addition, these pixelpositions should be precisely matched with the back-focus position ofthe projection lens 9. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an exampleof a fixing and adjusting mechanism of the liquid crystal light valve7a. As shown in the figure, the liquid crystal light valve 7a is mountedon a circuit board 10. The board 10 is fixed to Z shaped bend portions(four positions) disposed on a fixing plate 11 with screws 13. One sideof the fixing plate 11 is positioned with an oval hole 11b and a dowel12a formed on a fixing plate 12. In addition, a screw 14 pivoted with abend portion 12b on the fixing plate 12 is connected to a bend portion11c of the fixing plate 11. Thus, the fixing plate 11 is laterallyslidably supported with the fixing plate 12. The fixing plate 11 and thefixing plate 12 are fixed with screws 15 (two positions) through springwashers 16. In the center of the fixing plate 12, an opening portion 12ais formed. About the center of the opening portion 12c, arc shape holes12d (three positions) are formed as outer concentric circles. Dowels 19a(three positions) formed on the fixing plate 19 are positioned andguided in the holes 12d. In addition, an eccentric pin 17 connected toan oval hole 12e formed on the fixing plate 12 and rotatably securedwith a washer 18 is pivotally supported in a hole 19b formed on thefixing plate 19. Thus, the rotation of the fixing plate 12 can beadjusted by the amount of eccentricity for which the eccentric pin 17 isrotated. In addition, a washer 20 connected to (the rear of) a dowel onthe fixing plate 19 is fixed to a screw hole 12f formed on the fixingplate 12 with a screw 22 which pierces a deformed hole 19d formed on thefixing plate 19 through a spring washer 21. Thus, the fixing plate 12and the fixing plate 19 can be fixed. A notch 19f at a lower portion ofan opening portion 19e formed in the center of the fixing plate 19 isconnected to a dowel 23a formed on a fixing plate 23. Thus, one side ofthe fixing plate 19 is positioned and guided to the fixing plate 23. Onthe other hand, a screw 24 pivotally supported with a bend portion 19gof the fixing plate 19 is connected to a screw hole 23c formed on a bendportion 23b over the fixing plate 23. Thus, the fixing plate 19 ispositioned and guided relative to the fixing plate 23 so that thelongitudinal position of the liquid crystal light valve 7a can beadjusted. The fixing plate 19 is fixed in such a way that screws 25 (twopositions) which pierce respective oval holes 23d (two positions) formedon the fixing plate 23 are connected to screw holes 19i (two positions)formed on the fixing plate 19 through respective spring washers 26 (twopositions).

In the above-mentioned construction, by moving pixels of the liquidcrystal light valve 7a in the horizontal, vertical, and rotationaldirections, these pixels can be matched with those of the liquid crystallight valves 7b. In addition, to more securely fix the liquid crystallight valve 7a, screws 27 (two positions) which pierce respective ovalholes 11d (two positions) formed on the fixing plate 11, respective ovalholes 12g (two positions) formed on the fixing plate 12, respective ovalholes 19h formed on the fixing plate 19 (two positions) are connected torespective screw holes 23e (two positions) formed on the fixing plate 23through respective spring washers 28 (two positions). By controlling thetightening torque of the screws 21, they allow the fixing plate 11, thefixing plate 12, and the fixing plate 19 to be resiliently fixed to thefixing plate 23 by the use of a resilient force of the spring washers28. Thus, since the fixing plates 11, 12, 19, and 23 can be temporarilyfixed to each other by frictional forces, mutual displacements thereofcan be prevented during an adjustment operation. After the adjustmentmechanism has been mounted, the screws 27 are present at unaccessiblepositions (see FIG. 2). Thus, the permanent tightening operation can beomitted. Likewise, since the spring washers 16, 21, and 26 allow theposition of the liquid crystal light valve 7a to be adjusted, when theabove-mentioned screws and so forth are tightened, the resilient forcesof these spring washers 16, 21, and 26 prevent the mechanism from beingdisplaced.

In the above-mentioned adjustment mechanism, the fixing plate 11, thefixing plate 12, the fixing plate 19, and the fixing plate 23 have thesame center dimensions in their outer shapes (in left and rightdirections). Thus, by assembling these fixing plates 11, 12, 19, and 23in such a way that these outer shapes are matched, a position accuracywithout a significant deviation to the desired center can be obtained.In addition, by providing a means for forming a gap between eachconnecting surface of the fixing plates 11, 12, 19, and 23, the gapprevents warping, distortion and so forth of parts from badly affectingthe liquid crystal light valve 7a.

Next, a mechanism for fixing and adjusting the position of the liquidcrystal light bulb 7a on the chassis 8 will be described in detail. FIG.2 is a schematic assembly sectional view showing a part of theadjustment mechanism in the above-mentioned construction. FIG. 3 is aschematic assembly plan view of FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4,an upper fixing auxiliary plate 29 is pivotally guided on a bend portion23b over the fixing plate 23 in such a way that a dowel 23f formed onthe bend portion 23b can be rotated. In addition, the upper fixingauxiliary plate 29 is connected to an eccentric pin 30 which isrotatably secured to the bend portion 23b. Thereafter, the upper fixingauxiliary plate 29 is temporarily fixed to the bend portion 23b withscrews 31 (two positions). The upper fixing auxiliary plate 29 istemporarily fixed to an upper chassis 8a with screws 32 through screwholes 29a (two positions) formed on the upper fixing auxiliary plate 29.A dowel 29c formed on the upper fixing auxiliary plate 29 is connectedin an oval hole (not shown in the figure) on the upper chassis plate 8a.In addition, a screw 33 pivotally held with a bend portion 8c formed onthe upper chassis plate 8a is connected to a bend portion formed on theupper fixing auxiliary plate 29 with a screw. Thus, the mechanism canadjust the focus direction of the liquid crystal light valve 7a. Sincethe eccentric pin 30 can be adjusted from an opening portion (not shownin the figure) formed on the upper chassis plate 8a. Thus, the amount ofangular deviation in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis ofthe liquid crystal light valve 7a can be adjusted. After theabove-mentioned two adjustment operations are completed, by permanentlytightening the screws 31 and 32, the upper direction of the adjustmentmechanism is fixed.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 2, 4, and 5 (FIG. 5 is a perspective viewseen in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 4), the adjustment and fixingof the adjustment mechanism in the lower direction will be described.Dowels 8d (two positions) and an eccentric pin 35 are rotatably securedto a lower chassis plate 8b. The dowels 8d and the eccentric pin 35allow the lower fixing auxiliary plate 34 to be positioned. A bendportion 23g formed on the fixing plate 23 is guided with a dowel 34a andmounted to the auxiliary plate 34. With screws 36 (two positions), thelower fixing auxiliary plate 34 and the bend portion 23g are temporarilyfixed. In addition, with screws 37 (two positions), the lower fixingauxiliary plate 34 and the lower chassis plate 8b are temporarily fixed.The focus adjustment in the lower direction is performed in accordancewith the mount of eccentricity of the eccentric pin 35. Thereafter, thescrews 37 (two positions) are permanently tightened. After the angleadjustment in the plane direction to the upper optical axis iscompleted, the screws 36 are permanently tightened along with the screws31. Obviously, the plane positions of the dowels 23f and 34a have beenmatched to each other in the reference dimensions. In addition,screwdriver access holes for tightening the screws 36 and 37 androtating the eccentric pin 35 are formed on the bend portion 23b of thefixing plate 23 and the upper fixing auxiliary plate 29 (this part willbe described later in detail).

Next, as shown in FIG. 3, pixels in the horizontal direction can beadjusted from a side direction of the chassis with a screwdriver becausethe screw 14 is disposed at the opening portion formed on a side of thechassis 8. As described above, the adjustment of deviation of pixels inthe vertical, horizontal, and rotational directions is performed in theadjustment mechanism. The deviation of plane angle between the focusdirection (including the vertical direction) and the direction of theoptical axis is adjusted with fixing portions for fixing the adjustmentmechanism and the chassis.

The liquid crystal light valve 7c is disposed such that light valves 7cand 7a are symmetrical with respect to the liquid crystal light valve7b.

Next, a supporting and fixing mechanism of the liquid crystal lightvalve 7b disposed at a center portion of the chassis 8 will bedescribed. When the liquid crystal light valve 7b can be disposed withinthe depth of focus of the projection lens 9, the lack of sharpness ofpixels projected on the screen does not affect the visibility by humaneyes. However, in the cases of the mounting of the liquid crystal lightvalve 7b and the construction of this embodiment, where the chassis 8 ismade of metal plates and so forth, due to the overall effects of thetolerances involved in the constructional elements and the machiningtolerances, the position of the liquid crystal light valve 7b is notalways placed in the range of the above-mentioned allowable depth offocus. Thus, the adjustment mechanism for allowing the focus directionto be adjusted is required. An example of this mechanism will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 6, in an adjustmentmechanism for adjusting the upper direction of the liquid crystal lightvalve 7b, the bulb 7b is mounted on a circuit board 41 which is fixed toconvex portions (four positions) formed on a fixing plate 42 with screws40 (four positions). In addition, a lower fixing auxiliary plate 44 ispositioned and guided to the lower chassis plate 8b with dowels 8e (twopositions) formed on the lower chassis plate 8b and an eccentric pin 43rotatably secured to the lower chassis plate 8b. The lower fixingauxiliary plate 44 is temporarily fixed with screws 49 (two positions).A dowel 44a provided on the lower fixing auxiliary plate 44 is rotatablyconnected in a hole 42c formed in the center of a bend portion 42bformed on the fixing plate 42. Thereafter, the fixing plate 42 and thefixing auxiliary plate 44 are temporarily fixed with screws 45 (twopositions). The fixing auxiliary plate 47 which is pivoted with a dowel42e at a center portion of a bend portion 42d formed over the fixingplate 42 and which is positioned and guided with an eccentric pin 46rotatably secured to a hole 42f is temporarily fixed with a screw 50.Dowels 47a (two positions) disposed on the upper fixing auxiliary plate47 and an eccentric pin 48 rotatably secured are positioned and guidedin oval holes 8f (two positions) and 8g (one position) formed on theupper chassis plate 8a. Then, the upper fixing auxiliary plate 47 istemporarily fixed to the upper chassis plate 8a with screws 51 (threepositions). Of course, the upper chassis plate 8a has screwdriver accessholes (see FIG. 7) so that screws and so forth mounted below the upperchassis plate 8a can be mounted and removed. In the focus adjustmentoperation, the upper direction of the focus is adjusted by the mount ofeccentricity of the eccentric pin 48. Likewise, the lower direction ofthe focus is adjusted by the amount of eccentricity of the eccentric pin43. In addition, the angular deviation in the plane direction to theoptical axis is adjusted by the amount of eccentricity of the eccentricpin 46. After the above-mentioned adjustment operations are complete thescrews 49, 45, 50, and 51 are permanently tightened so as to securelyfix the adjustment mechanism. Thus, all the adjustment operations ofthis mechanism can be performed. If the position of the liquid crystallight valve 7b were in the allowable range of depth of focus of thebackfocus of the projection lens by means of simplified mountconstruction of the liquid crystal light valve 7b or improved machiningaccuracy thereof, the above-mentioned adjustment mechanism could beomitted.

As described above, since the angular deviation in the plane directionto the optical axis is adjusted only in the direction of the chassisplate 8a, the adjustment operation and the mechanism thereof aresimplified. In addition, by horizontally forming a 90° bend portion (notshown in the figure) at an end of each of the fixing plate 23 and thefixing plate 42, along with the reinforcement of their fixing plates andthe improvement of the surface accuracy thereof, disturbing light can beeffectively prevented. In addition, when the bend portions 23b, 23g,42b, and 42d formed on the fixing plate 23 and the fixing plate 42 fixedbetween the chassis plates 8a and 8b are fixed with screws, errors ofthe bend angles of the bend portions become bending moments. Thesebending moments are applied to these chassis plates. To suppress thisbad influence applied to the liquid crystal light valves 7a and 7b andthe deviation of the adjustment mechanism, at the base of each bendportion, an opening portion is formed so as to reduce the amount ofbending.

In particular, since the chassis plates 8a and 8b, the fixing plates 11,12, 19, 23, and 42, the upper fixing auxiliary plates 29 and 47, thelower fixing auxiliary plates 34, and 44, and so forth are made of thesame material such as steel parts, they have the same coefficient oflinear expansion. Thus, the parts of the adjustment mechanism uniquelyexpand and shrink.

In addition, the position accuracy of the positioning holes and dowelson the chassis 8 for use with the fixing mechanisms of the mirrors and,the liquid crystal light valves is of the order of approximately 10microns. Moreover, a simple construction is used in such a way that theliquid crystal light valves are directly fixed to the fixing plate 23.Further, the allowable depth of focus of the backfocus of the projectionlens 9 can be reduced to approximately 200 microns or less. Furthermore,when the size of the liquid crystal light valves is of approximately 3inches and the number of pixels thereof is of the order of approximately100,000, a construction which does not require the adjustment in thefocus direction can be satisfactorily accomplished. In addition, whenthe amount of deviation of pixels in the horizontal and verticaldirections is approximately ½ to ⅔ times the amount of the related art,a construction which does not require the matching of pixels can be alsoaccomplished.

As described above, according to the above-mentioned construction, withreference to pixels of a first liquid crystal light valve disposed inthe center of the chassis, pixels of a second liquid crystal light valvedisposed point-symmetrically to the first liquid crystal light valve areadjusted. Thus, the mechanism for fixing the liquid crystal light valvedisposed in the center of the chassis can be constructed simply and in asmall size. Therefore, an optical system with a short optical path canbe designed. Consequently, this construction can contribute to reducingthe size of the optical system, namely, the size of the final product.

In addition, since the position adjustment operation of the liquidcrystal light valve disposed in the center of the chassis can beperformed from the top thereof, the disability of adjustment from theside thereof due to the constructional restriction can be compensated.Moreover, since the adjustment operation of the liquid crystal lightvalves disposed point-symmetrically to another valve is available fromthe top and the side, the number of operation steps can be reduced.Furthermore, since the adjustment operation from the side can beperformed by using a simple adjustment jig in the final product statewhere the optical apparatus is mounted in a real machine, the adjustmentquality is improved.

Since the shapes of the parts of the fixing and adjustment mechanism ofthe liquid crystal light valves disposed point-symmetrically can beformed symmetrically to those of the valve disposed in the center of thechassis, the number of design and machining steps can be reduced.

In addition, since the constructional parts of the adjustment mechanismcan be assembled in accordance with their outer shapes, the assembledadjustment mechanism can have the nearly designed accuracy. Thus, theadjustment operation can be easily estimated and the number of workingsteps can be reduced. Moreover, by the accomplishment of theconstruction in a small size, the projection lens and the mirrors canhave high cost performance. In addition, the construction in the smallsize contributes to decreasing the size of the final product andreducing the costs of the apparatus and the final product.

Since the liquid crystal light valves and polarizing plates (not shownin the figure) are exposed to strong light, they become hot. To maintainthe performance of these parts, a forced cooling mechanism is required.To accomplish this mechanism, a fan 60 for drawing outside air isdisposed below the chassis 8b (see FIG. 1). To equally cool the liquidcrystal light valves and the polarizing plates, the center portion ofthe fan 60 should be disposed in the vicinity of the liquid crystallight valve 7b disposed at the center portion of the chassis 8b.However, since a motor is disposed at the center portion of the fan, theamount of air blown is low. To improve the air blown capacity, theamount of air blow is adjusted by using a regulating plate. However, inthe present invention, since the fixing mechanism of the liquid crystallight valve 7b disposed at the center portion of the chassis issimplified, the fluid resistance is decreased. Thus, without aparticular regulating means, the fixing mechanism of the liquid crystallight valve 7b contributes to the improvement of the cooling efficiency.

Since the constructional parts of the optical apparatus are made of thesame material, they equally expand and shrink for temperature changes.Thus, the deviation of positions in the adjustment mechanism can besuppressed. In other words, since the deviation of pixels between theliquid crystal light valves are suppressed, the quality and accuracy ofthe pictures can be improved.

As described in the last part of the above-mentioned embodiment, whenlight incident on the projection lens 9 causes red and green rays to bereflected by a mixing mirror, the adjustment accuracy of matching pixelsof the liquid crystal light valve 7b for red with those of the liquidcrystal light valve 7a for green can be improved in a relatively smallnumber of adjustment steps. When light enters the projection lens, sincered and green rays are reflected on the same surface of the mixingmirror 5, the amount of deviation of the optical axis due to thedeviation of position of the mixing mirror 5 for the red rays is thesame as that of the green rays. Thus, the amount of deviation of the redand green rays is equal to the amount of deviation due to the deviationof position of the R.D.M. 3b and the amount of deviation between themutual positions of the liquid crystal light valves 7a and 7b.Consequently, the amount of deviation becomes small. In addition, sincethe pixels of the liquid crystal light valve 7a can be stably matchedwith those of the liquid crystal light valve 7b, they can be adjusted ina small number of adjustment steps. On the other hand, with respect tothe blue rays, in addition to the amount of deviation of the opticalaxis due to the deviation of position of the mixing mirror 5, thedeviation of the optical axis due to the deviation of position of thereflection mirror 4b and the amount of deviation between the mutualpositions of the liquid crystal light valve 7b and 7c are added. Thus,the number of adjustment steps increases in accordance with the amountof deviation. However, since the relative visibility of the blue rays islow, even if there is still a minor error to adjust, the error does notaffect the picture quality.

In addition to setting the sizes of the liquid crystal light valves, thenumber of pixels, and the allowable depth of focus of the projectionlens, when the improvement of the machining accuracy of parts and thesimplification of the fixing mechanisms of the liquid crystal lightvalves are accomplished, the construction which does not require theadjustment of the focus direction with respect to the position of theliquid crystal light valve disposed at the center portion of the chassiscan be accomplished. Alternatively, the construction which requires onlythe adjustment for placing the liquid crystal light valve to a positionperpendicular to the optical axis can be accomplished. Thus, themechanism can be further simplified. In addition, the construction whichdoes not require the adjustment of matching pixels can be accomplished.Consequently, such a construction allows the cost reduction includingthe reduction of the number of production steps and parts. Thus, thepresent invention contributes to reducing the cost of products whichwere expensive.

FIGS. 7 and 9 show a practical example of an adjustment adjustment andoperation mechanism which can be adjusted with a screwdriver. Thesefigures present a light valve mounting surface where the liquid crystallight valve is mounted and adjustment positions of the light valve areobtained.

As shown in FIG. 7 which presents an embodiment of the adjustment andoperation mechanism, a liquid crystal light valve is mounted on a lightvalve board 50. The light bulb board 50 is fixed to a light valve fixingplate 51 with screws. A dowel 51a of the light valve fixing plate 51 isrotatably guided by a lower adjustment plate 52. A dowel 51b of thelight valve fixing plate 51 is rotatably guided by an upper adjustmentplate 53. The light valve fixing plate 51 is fixed to the loweradjustment plate 52 with screws. The lower adjustment plate 52 isslidably connected to the lower light guide 54 with oval holes 52a anddowels 54a formed thereon. The lower adjustment plate 52 is fixed to thelower light guide 54 with screws. The upper adjustment plate 53 isslidably connected to an upper light guide 55 with an oval hole 53a anda dowel 55a. The upper adjustment plate 53 is connected to the upperlight guide 55 with screws. The lower light guide 54 and the upper lightguide 55 are spaced apart by columns 56. The lower light guide 54 andthe upper light guide 55 are fixed to the column 56 with screws.

The upper adjustment plate 53 has a notch 53b. The upper light guide 55opposed to the notch 53b has a hole 55b which the same shape as thenotch 53b. A space formed with the notch 53b and the hole 55b has ashape where the tip of the screwdriver D can be inserted regardless ofthe position of the upper adjustment plate 53 in its allowable slidablerange. FIG. 8 shows a detail of the shapes of the notch and hole. Byloosening a screw which fixes the upper adjustment plate 53 and theupper light guide 55 and rotating the tip of screwdriver D inserted intothe space between the notch 53b and the hole 55b, the upper adjustmentplate 53 is guided and slid with the oval hole 53a and the dowel 55a.Thus, an upper portion of the light valve fixing plate 51 rotatablyguided with the upper adjustment plate 53 approach or goes away from theprojection lens 57. The direction in which the light valve fixing plate51 moves corresponds with the direction that the screwdriver D rotates.

Likewise, by loosening a screw which fixes the lower light guide 54 andthe lower adjustment plate 52 and rotating the tip of the screwdriverinserted into the space between a notch 52b and a hole 54b, the loweradjustment plate 52 is guided and slid with the oval hole 52a and thedowel 54a. Thus, a lower portion of the light valve fixing plate 51rotatably guided with the lower adjustment plate 52 approaches and goesaway from the projection lens 57.

The light valve fixing place 51 has a notch 51c. The lower adjustmentplate 52 opposed to the notch 51c has a hole 52c which has the sameshape as the notch 51c. By loosening a screw which fixes the light bulbfixing plate 51 and the lower adjustment plate 52 and rotating the tipof the screwdriver inserted into the space between the notch 51 and thehole 52c, the light valve fixing plate 51 rotates about a line whichpasses through the dowel 51a and the dowel 51b. At this point, thedirection in which the driver rotates corresponds with the directionthat the light valve fixing plate 51 rotates.

In the above-mentioned construction, only by removing the screws whichfix the upper adjustment plate 53 and the light valve fixing plate 51,the adjustment mechanism can be dismounted from the light guide. Thus,the workability in the assembling process and after-service is veryhigh.

FIG. 9 shows an example where the combination of the above-mentionednotch and hole is used for an alignment adjustment mechanism of athree-plate projection type liquid crystal projector. In the three-plateliquid crystal projection apparatus, to match the apparent positions ofthe three R, G, and B liquid crystal panels, the apparent positions ofat least two liquid crystal panels should be adjusted in the horizontal,rotational, and vertical directions. In an example shown in FIG. 9, ahorizontal adjustment plate 58 has a plurality of notches so as to widenthe adjustment range. By forming holes with the same shape as thenotches on the rotation adjustment plate 59, adjustment portion can bedisposed at any positions of the rotation adjustment plate 59 ratherthan the notches disposed on the periphery thereof. Thus, the degree offreedom can be improved in designing the rotation adjustment plate 59.In FIG. 9, reference numeral 60 is a vertical adjustment plate.

Consequently, in the above-mentioned construction, the position of thelight valve can be adjusted with a minimum number of parts. In addition,since the tip of screwdriver fits in the space between the notch and thehole, the screwdriver does not fall during the adjustment work.Moreover, since the direction in which the screwdriver rotatescorresponds to the direction in which the light valve moves, theadjustment can be easily performed.

By applying the above-mentioned adjustment and operation mechanism tothe matching of pixels of the liquid crystal light valves 7a, 7b, and7c, the mechanism can be simplified.

As described above, in the projection type liquid crystal projector,light of a white light source is separated into rays of three colors ofred, green, and blue with dichroic mirrors. Thereafter, the rays ofthese colors enter liquid crystal panels. Next, these rays are mixed bydichroic mirrors. Then, the mixed rays are projected onto a screen by aprojection lens. Thus, if the accuracies of the positions and angles ofthe dichroic mirrors (B.D.M.) and the reflection mirrors 4a and 4b arelow, the optical axis of each color deviates from positions of aaccurate color and irregular coloration takes place in the composedpicture (hereinafter, this situation is referred to as unevenness ofcolors). Moreover, in this situation, images projected from the panelsalso deviate from matched or aligned positions (hereinafter, thissituation is referred to as deviation of pixels).

In this embodiment, since the lower chassis plate 8b, which mounts thedichroic mirrors, reflection mirrors, and so forth, is made of a metalplate, the production cost of the lower chassis plate 8b is low. Inaddition, the accuracy of the metal mold is very high. Thus, the lowerchassis plate 8b can be quantitatively produced with high accuracies ofpositions and angles of part mounting holes. In other words, since thereis no deviation of each color, the optical system units free ofunevenness of colors and deviation of pixels can be quantitativelyproduced. The design of the units can be easily changed by slightlymodifying the design of the metal mold.

If a liquid crystal projector were constructed in such a way that theoptical system unit, which mounts the dichroic mirrors, reflectionmirrors, and so forth, is fixed to an outer case with screws, the lowerchassis plate would be exposed to an excessive force. Thus, thepositions and angles of the dichroic mirrors, reflection mirrors, and soforth, which are mounted on the lower chassis plate, would deviate.Thereby, the optical axes in the optical system unit would deviate,resulting in occurrences of unevenness of colors and deviation ofpixels. However, in this embodiment, the periphery of the lower chassisplate is processed by a bending operation, the adjacent portion beingprocessed by spot welds 8i, the resultant plate being formed in a boxshape by drawing or the like. Thus, the strength of the lower chassisplate can be maintained, thereby preventing the positions and angles ofthe dichroic mirrors, reflection mirrors, and so forth from deviating.Consequently, the strength of the optical system unit can be maintained,so that unevenness of colors and deviation of pixels can be prevented.When the lower chassis plate is fixed to the outer case and other boardat three points in the vicinity of the beam mixing portion or in thevicinity of the separating portion, the forge applied to the lowerchassis plate can be decreased. This is because there are many ventopenings on the cooling upper and lower chassis plates in the vicinityof the liquid crystal light valve. Thus, the strength of these portionsis high. When the lower chassis plate is fixed to a portion with a highstrength in the region between the lamp to the liquid crystal lightvalve or the region between the liquid crystal light valve and thereflection lens, of the lower chassis plate can be made flat. On theother hand, the mounting portion of the projection lens is not in a boxshape. Thus, the strength of this portion is low. However, by placingthe upper chassis plate 8a on the lower chassis plate in the same boxshape as the upper chassis plate, the relevant strength can be kept. Asdescribed above, this embodiment is suitable for quantitativelyproducing liquid crystal video projectors which can project beautifulpictures.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, an embodiment of the liquidcrystal video projector will be described. FIG. 10 is a perspective viewshowing a lower chassis of the optical system unit of the liquid crystalprojector according to the present invention. The lower chassis plate 8bis made of metal. The periphery of the lower chassis plate 8b is bent ordrawn so that the lower chassis plate 8b is formed in a box shape. Thelower chassis plate 8b has mounting holes 8h. Fixing frames which fixthe dichroic mirrors, reflection mirrors, and so forth are mounted andfixed to these holes. Since the lower chassis plate 8b is made of metal,its production cost is low. In addition, by slightly modifying the shapeof the metal mold of the lower chassis plate 8b, the design of the lowerchassis plate 8b can be changed wholly or partially. Moreover, since thelower chassis plate 8b is constructed in the box shape by bending ordrawing the strength thereof is maintained. Thus, when the lower chassisplate 8b is fixed to an outer case of a liquid crystal video projectorwith screws, even if an excessive force is applied to the lower chassisplate 8b, the positions and angles of the part mounting holes thereofwould not deviate.

Thus, deviations of positions and angles of the reflection mirrors,which have been known as a cause of unevenness of colors and deviationof pixels, can be solved and thereby more beautiful pictures can beprojected.

In a liquid crystal video projector shown in FIG. 12, light from a whitelight source is separated into rays of three colors of red, green, andblue with separating dichroic mirrors 2 and 3a. The rays of separatedcolors enter liquid crystal light valves 7b, 7a, and 7c. Thereafter, therays of separated colors are mixed by mixing dichroic mirrors 3b and 5.Next, the mixed rays are projected onto a screen by a projection lens 9.

In this case, if any liquid crystal light valve has a point defect, aportion of the relevant color of red, green, and blue may not always belit. Thus, the color of this portion changes. This point detect is notsignificant at the periphery of the screen, but it is in the center. Inaddition, the point defect of blue color whose relative visibility islow is not significant, while that of green color whose relativevisibility is high is significant. Thus, the liquid crystal light valvefor green requires higher precision than that for blue. In other words,if the high specifications were maintained, the yield of the liquidcrystal light valve for green would be lower than that of the liquidcrystal light valve for blue.

To prevent this disadvantage, when the liquid crystal light valve forgreen is of the same construction as that for blue, that is, both theliquid crystal light valves have compatibility to each other, the betterone can be used for green so as to decrease significant green pointdefects. In a quantitative production stage, liquid crystal light valvewhich are not suitable for green can be sometimes used for those forblue. Thus, when the liquid crystal light valves for green are used forthose for blue, the yield thereof can be improved. In addition, sincethe number of types of liquid crystal light valves to be designed andproduced is reduced from three to two, the cost thereof can bedecreased.

In a liquid crystal video projector shown in FIG. 13, light from a whitelight source is separated into rays of three colors of red, green, andblue with separating dichroic mirrors 2 and 2a. The rays of separatedcolors enter liquid crystal light valves 7b, 7a, and 7c. Thereafter, therays of separated colors are mixed by mixing dichroic mirrors 3b and 5.The mixed rays are projected onto a screen by a projection lens 9.However, the liquid crystal light valves are susceptible to heat. Whenthese liquid crystal light valves are exposed to strong light, thetemperature thereof rises and thereby accelerating the deteriorationthereof. To solve this problem, a cooling fan 66 mounted in the vicinityof the liquid crystal light valves is rotated so as to generate wind.This wind cools the liquid crystal light valves so as to prevent themfrom deteriorating.

In this embodiment, the red color type liquid crystal light valve 7b isdisposed midway between the green color type liquid crystal light valve7a and the red color type liquid crystal light valve 7c. Below the redcolor type liquid crystal light valve 7c, the cooling fan 66 isdisposed. The wind produced by the cooling fan 66 cools the three liquidcrystal light valves. When the cooling fan 66 is rotated, it allows windto satisfactorily blow the blue and green color type liquid crystallight valves 7c and 7a disposed outside of the red color type liquidcrystal light valve 7b.

The cooling fan 66 according to this embodiment is of a blade type. Whenthe cooling fan 66 is rotated, the wind force in the periphery thereofis stronger than that in the center thereof. The wavelength of rays oflight which enter each liquid crystal light valve differs from eachother. The energy of rays of blue region which enters the blue colortype liquid crystal light valve is higher than that of the green and redregions. Thus, singe the temperature of the blue color type liquidcrystal light valve rises most, the necessity of cooling this valve ishighest. In contrast, since the energy of rays which enter the red colortype liquid crystal light valve is least and the temperature of thisvalve does not greatly rise, the necessity of cooling this valve iscomparatively low. In addition, singe rays which enter each liquidcrystal light valve have been passed through an infrared ray cuttingfilter after being emitted from the light source, infrared rays do notenter each liquid crystal light valve.

Thus, as described in the above-mentioned embodiment, the cooling fan 66is disposed below the red color type liquid crystal light valve 7b sothat wind produced by the cooling fan 66 satisfactorily blows againstthe blue and red color type liquid crystal light bulbs. In other words,the blue color type liquid crystal light valve which is highly heated bythe rays with high energy is disposed at the peripheral portion of thecooling fan where the wind force is strong and the red color type liquidcrystal light valve which is less heated by the rays with low energy isdisposed at the center portion of the cooling fan where the wind forceis weak. Consequently, each liquid crystal light valve can beeffectively cooled without cooling loss. In addition, with one fan, theplurality of liquid crystal light valves can be cooled. In addition toreducing the cost of the product, the weight and size thereof can bedecreased.

In this embodiment, an image produced by entering rays of red regionseparated by the separating dichroic mirrors 2 and 3a into the liquidcrystal light valve 7a (hereinafter this image is referred to as a redimage) and an image produced by entering rays of greed region separatedlikewise (hereinafter this image is referred to as a green image) aremixed by the dichroic mirror 3b. Thereafter, the mixed image and animage produce by entering rays of blue region into the liquid crystallight valve 7c (hereinafter this image is referred to as a blue image)are mixed by the dichroic mirror 5. Thus, a mixed image with threecolors of red, green, and blue can be obtained.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, by decreasing the thickness of thered color mixing dichroic mirror 3b, the astigmatism of the green imagewhich passes through this mirror 3b is decreased. However, when thethickness of the dichroic mirror is decreased, the surface accuracy ofthe red mixing dichroic mirror 3b deteriorates and thereby lowering theaccuracy of the reflection. Thus, it is assumed that the resolution ofthe red image being reflected degrades. However, since the distancebetween the red mixing dichroic mirror 3b and the red color type liquidcrystal light valve 7b is small, the degradation of the surface accuracyof the red mixing dichroic mirror does not significantly affect theimage quality. Moreover, in this embodiment, by increasing the thicknessof the mixing dichroic mirror 5, the surface accuracy is maintained andthereby the resolution of the image mixed by the red mixing dichroicmirror 3b is maintained. However, when the thickness of the mixingdichroic mirror 5 is increased, the astigmatism of the blue imagetransmitted in the mixing dichroic mirror 5 becomes large. Nevertheless,since the relative visibility of the blue image is lower than that ofthe green and red images, it is not significant.

Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, since the green color typeliquid crystal light valve 7a and the blue color type liquid crystallight valve 7c are interchangeably used, point defects of the greenimage with high relative visibility can be decreased. A liquid crystallight valve which is not suitable for the green color liquid crystallight valve 7a can be sometimes used as one for blue. Thus, the yieldcan be improved. Conventionally, three types of liquid crystal lightvalves have been designed and produced. However, according to thisembodiment, the number of types of liquid crystal light valves can bereduced from three to two. Thus, cost reduction can be accomplished.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the red color type liquid crystallight valve 7b is disposed midway between the green color type liquidcrystal light valve 7a and the blue color type liquid crystal lightvalve 7c. The cooling fan 66 which allows wind to satisfactorily blowagainst the green and blue type color liquid crystal light valves 7a and7b is disposed below the red color type liquid crystal light valve 7b.Thus, the blue color type liquid crystal light valve which is heatedmost can be effectively cooled down. Consequently, without coolinglosses, the single fan can cool down the plurality of liquid crystallight valves. Therefore, in addition to reducing the production cost,the weight and size thereof can be decreased.

Moreover, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, by decreasing thethickness of the red color mixing dichroic mirror 3b, the astigmatism ofa green image whose relative visibility is high can be decreased. Byincreasing the thickness of the mixing dichroic mirror, the surfaceaccuracy thereof can be improved. Thus, the image mixed by the red colormixing dichroic mirror 5 can be precisely reflected.

FIGS. 14 to 56 show practical examples of the overall constructionincluding a cooling unit of the liquid crystal projector of the presentinvention. FIG. 14 is a schematic assembly plan view seen from the topof the liquid crystal projector.

The liquid crystal projector of the present invention has a case 70which is substantially of a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The case70 accommodates all parts, functionally separated as units. As shown inFIGS. 17 to 19, the case 70 comprises a lower case 72 and an upper case71 which can be separated at a separation line 73.

At front symmetrical positions of the bottom of the lower case 72, apair of threaded adjusters 74 for adjusting the vertical position of aprojected picture are provided. At a position below an optical unit 75(which will be described later), an air intake slit portion 76 isformed. At rear symmetrical positions of the lower case 72, a pair offixing members 71 are disposed.

A window 78 of the projection lens is formed at a position slightly leftof the center of the case 70. By sliding a cover plate 78 sidewardly,the window 79 is open. Since the cover plate 79 is bent in an arc shape.it slides along an arcuate path.

At a right position of the rear of the case 70, an inter-face boardframe unit 80 for connecting each interface is attached from the top. Ata left position of the rear of the case 70, an air exhaust fan cover 81is attached from the top. In the center of the air exhaust fan cover 81,an air exhaust opening 82 is formed. As shown in FIG. 19, at a lowercenter position of the rear of the case 70, a power receptacle 83 isdisposed.

At a left position of the rear of the case 70, a lamp housing cover 85for accessing an inner housing 154 is disposed.

At a position left of the center of the top of the upper case 71, aspeaker hole portion 86 for conveying sound generated by a speaker isformed. On the speaker hole portion 86, a speaker cover 87 made of apunched plate having small holes is disposed. At a front position of thetop of the upper case 71, an operation panel 88 on which the usereffects for example image, sound, and autofocus adjustment operations isdisposed. At a rear position at the center of the top of the upper case71, a power switch button 89 is disposed.

A base plate 90 is detachably mounted on the lower case 72 with screws.

On the base plate 90, an optical unit 98 (see FIG. 28) where a lamphousing unit 91 and a projection lens unit 92 are assembled in a lightguide unit 102 is disposed in such a way that the main optical path isin an L shape when viewed from the top thereof (see FIG. 14). Inaddition, the projection lens unit 9 faces the window 78 in the from ofthe case 70. Moreover, the access direction of an inner housing 154 ofthe lamp housing unit 91 faces the lamp housing cover 85 on the left ofthe case 70.

A power unit 95 is disposed in the front of the lamp housing unit 91 andon the air intake side. A lamp stabilizing unit 96 is disposed on theleft of the projection lens unit 9. A video board unit 97 is disposedoutside the optical unit 75. The lamp housing unit 91, the power unit95, the stabilizing unit 96, the video board unit 97, and the opticalunit 96 are separately and detachably mounted on the base plate 90.

The power unit 95 and the lamp stabilizing unit 96 are accommodated in ashield case having a plurality of holes for drawing and exhausting air.The speaker 99 is fixed to the power unit 95 through the shield case.

A drive board unit 100 has a liquid crystal drive circuit, amicrocomputer built-in system control circuit, and so forth. The driveboard unit 100 is disposed at the top of the optical unit 75. The driveunit 100 has board holes 101 for routing cables for the liquid crystallight panels and air flow paths thereof. These holes 101 are formed overthe respective liquid crystal light valves. These holes 101 allow air toflow to the top of the drive board unit 100.

The air intake fan 66, which is an axial flow fan, is mounted on thebase plate 90 below the light guide unit 102. An integrally formed inletair regulating plate 105 disposed midway between the air intake fan 66and the light guide unit 102 allows fresh air drawn through the airintake slit portion 76 and a dust protecting filter 104 disposed on thebottom to branch into at least three flow routes toward the liquidcrystal light valves and into a plurality of flow paths in the directionperpendicular to the air blow opening.

The optical unit 98 is the above-mentioned optical means. Hereinafter,the above-mentioned upper chassis plate 8a is referred to as an upperlight guide 121 and the lower chassis plate 8b as a lower light guide126. Then, these light guides 121 and 126 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 22, the air intake regulating plate 105 is connected toa guide hole 107 of the lower light guide 126. Thereafter, by insertingscrews in the fixing holes 108f the air intake regulating plate 105 isfixed to the lower light guide. The air intake fan 66 is disposed at aposition perpendicular to the three liquid crystal light valves 7c (7a,and 7b), which are disposed in a crank shape. In addition, these threeliquid crystal light valves 7a, 7b, and 7c are disposed in a projectionarea with the air blow diameter of the air intake fan 66. As a result,the distance between the air blow opening 111 and each of liquid crystallight valves 7a, 7b, and 7c becomes short. In addition, the temperaturesof the liquid crystal light valves 7a, 7b, and 7c and the polarizingplates 112 can be decreased.

A second embodiment of the air intake regulating plate 105 has basicallya cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 50. A third embodiment of the airintake regulating plate has a construction where two curved branchingwalls and a straight wall are added to the construction of the firstembodiment, the branching walls being connected inwardly from theperiphery of the air intake regulating plate to the straight wall whichis disposed in parallel with the surface of the liquid crystal lightvalve. The axial flow fan causes wind to blow in an inclined directionwhich is the same as the rotating direction of the fan blades. FIG.56(a) shows a result of air speed data of the axial flow fan. From thisfigure, it is known that when no obstacles (such as net and filter) arepresent in the air intake side of the axial flow fan, although thecenter portion of iso-speed curve a is low, the curve is extended towardthe front of the blades. When there are obstacles, as shown in FIG.56(b), the overall speed of the axial flow fan decreases and the curve ais extended in the vicinity of the air blow opening. Thus, the windblows outward. In the second embodiment, the iso-speed curve shown inFIG. 56(c) is obtained. The speed and direction of wind of the secondembodiment as shown in FIG. 56(c) are superior to those of the relatedart as shown in FIG. 56(b). The iso-speed curve of the third embodimentis shown in FIG. 56(d). In the third embodiment, wind also blows fromthe center portion of the axial flow fan to the air blow side. As shownin FIG. 22, the first embodiment of the air intake regulating plate 105is an improvement of the third embodiment. In the first embodiment, soas to easily inject and mold plastics, air blow openings 116, 117, and118 facing three liquid crystal panel blocks 115 are formed below theseblocks 115 on an upper surface 66a of a cylindrical member. A pluralityof branch walls 119 made of curved and straight portions are disposed sothat air flows through the liquid crystal light valve 7c (7a, and 7b)equally upwardly along the space of the polarizing plates 112. Inaddition, to activate the air flow of the entire flow paths in the case,a plurality of air blow openings 120 are formed on the side of thecylindrical member.

In FIG. 14, the optical unit 75 is a block for separating and mixinglight of a light source. Reference numeral 121 an upper light guidewhich is made as a metal plate and is in a box shape. A light entranceopening 122 at which light enters and a light emit opening 123 fromwhich light is emitted are open. Reference numeral 124 is an air blowopening of three air paths formed on the top 125 of the upper lightguide 121. Reference numeral 126 is a lower light guide which issubstantially of box shape. The upper light guide 121 accommodatesoptical parts in such a way that the upper light guide 121 covers thelower light guide 126. Column members are disposed midway between theupper light guide 121 and the lower light guide 126. In addition, theupper light guide 121 and the lower light guide 126 are secured byscrews. As a result, the strength of the optical unit 75 becomes high.Reference numeral 127 is a prepolarizer block where a prepolarizer 128made of a plurality of glass plates arranged in a V shape is clampedwith a glass fixing plate 129, a support rubber 130, and a glass supportplate 131. A UV and IR filter portion 132 is adhered to the glasssupport plate 131 with a double-sided adhesive tape. The prepolarizerblock 127 is mounted at the position of the light entrance opening 122of the optical unit 75. In this blocked construction, the length of theoptical paths in the optical unit 75 is shortened and the shockresistance thereof is improved.

Next, optical pants accommodated in the optical unit will be described.The optical unit has three blocks, each of which contains theprepolarizer 128, the UV and IR filter portion 132, and the liquidcrystal light valve 110. The polarizing plates 112 are disposed beforeand after each liquid crystal light halve. Thus, a total of sixpolarizing plates 112 are disposed in the three blocks. Referencenumerals 4a and 4b are mirrors. Reference numerals 2, 3a, 3b, and 5 aredichroic mirrors. Reference numeral 135 is a condenser lens. Theseoptical parts are fixed to plate shape fixing members. These fixingmembers are fixed to the inside of the optical unit 75. As describedabove, the liquid crystal light valves 7a, 7b, and 7c, and thepolarizing plates 112 are grouped into three liquid crystal light valveblocks 115, each of which has an adjustment mechanism.

The projection lens unit 9 is fixed in accordance with the lightemitting opening 136 of the lower light guide 126.

FIGS. 23 to 26 show the construction of the lower light guide 126. FIG.23 is a plan view of the lower light guide 126. FIG. 24 is a rear viewof the lower light guide 126. FIG. 25 is a side view of the lower lightguide 126. FIG. 26 is a front view of the lower light guide 126.Reference numeral 137 is an upper air blow opening according to the airflow path of the air blow opening of the inlet air regulating plate 105.Reference numeral 138 is an air blow opening. This air blow opening 138contributes to reducing the weight of the lower light guide 126.Reference numeral 139 is an air flow path guide. As shown in FIG. 27,the air flow path guide 139 is a wall which is bent at 90° so as toguide cooling air to the liquid crystal light valve 7c, (7a, and 7b) andthe polarizing plates 112 through the air intake opening 140.

Reference numeral 141 is an exhaust fan fixing plate. As shown in FIGS.28, 29, 30, and 36, the exhaust fan fixing plate 141 has skirt-shapedair inlet guides 142 on the top, the right, and the left thereof so asto suppress drawing air from the side of the air intake opening of theexhaust fan 143 and to preferentially cool heated members on the entiresurface of the air intake opening in front of the air blow opening ofthe exhaust fan 143.

As shown in FIGS. 28 and 34, a space 144 is formed in the vicinity ofthe lamp. By disposing the lamp in the vicinity of the air intakeopening of the exhaust fan 143f the lamp and the highly heated portionin the vicinity thereof can be directly and effectively cooled.

In the conventional liquid crystal projectors, there is a problem wheredust and rubbish are attracted from the opening in the front of theprojection lens 9. To solve this problem, a side air blow opening of theair intake regulating plate 105 is rotated clockwise. The air from therotating air blow opening strikes against the upper wall on the right ofthe lower light guide 126 and thereby the wind is directed toward thewindow of the projection lens. In addition, a branching plate 145 shownin FIG. 14 is disposed so as to prevent influence of the attractingforce of the exhaust fan 14S. Thus, the amount of blow air the front airexhaust opening becomes low. As a result, dust and rubbish are notattracted. The branching plate 145 is made of a thin plastic plate. Thebranching plate 145 is substantially of a rectangular shape. Part of theplate 145 is bent at 90° and adhered to flat surfaces of the base plate90 and the lamp stabilizer 96 with a double-sided adhesive tape.

Reference numeral 146 is a lamp fan block. The lamp fan block 146 isformed by winding a metal plate around the circumference of a lamp fan147. One side of the lamp fan block 146 is screwed to a lamp fan fixingplate 149 which forms an air blow opening rotated at 90° from an airblow opening of the lamp fan 147. On a side of a window frame 150 in thefront of the air blow opening of the lamp fan 147, the lamp fan fixingplate 149 is fixed so as to form the lamp fan block 146. The lamp fanblock 146 is fixed on a side of the light entrance opening 122 of theupper light guide. The window frame 150 prevents light from the lampfrom leaking out by using a surface of a front portion 151 and a 90°bend portion 152 as shown in FIG. 33. In addition, the window frame 150allows air of the lamp fan 147 to pass through from a window frame hole153.

Next, an inner housing block 154 of the lamp housing unit 91 will bedescribed. As shown in FIGS. 34 to 47, reference numeral 1 is a lamp asa light source. In the lamp 1, a lighting tube 156 is fixed to areflector 157. The lamp 1 is positioned and fixed to an L-shaped lampfixing plate 158 with a lamp spring 159. A lamp male connector 160 ispositioned and screwed to an L-shaped lower cut portion of the lampfixing plate 158. The lamp fixing plate 158 is surrounded by a lampinner housing member 161 and screwed to the lamp fixing plate 158. Theinner housing member 161 has a handle 162. In the rear of the lamp 1, arear electrode plate 163 and a side electrode plate are disposed. Boththe electrodes and the lamp male connector 160 are connected to electricwires 164. These electric wires 164 have a high heat resistance. Inaddition to the electric wires, respective electric wire connectingportions of the lamp male connector 160 are coated with highly insulatedshrinkable tubes 165. On a side of the inner housing member 161, a venthole portion 166 for cooling is disposed. In the front of the lamplighting tube 156, a heat insulating film 167 is coated. In the figure,reference numeral 168 is a control portion. Reference numeral 169 is ahole for providing an insulating space. Reference numeral 170 is afixing portion of the lamp inner housing block 154. Reference numeral171 is a grille portion for providing an insulation space. Referencenumeral 172 is an E ring by which the lamp can be replaced withoutremoving screws from the inner housing. Reference numeral 173 is a slideguide portion. Reference numeral 174 is an upper-lower positioningportion. Reference numeral 175 is a vertical positioning portion.Reference numeral 176 is a left-right positioning portion. Reference 177is an opening portion.

The holes of vent hole portion 166 are formed at a pitch different fromthose of the vent holes of the outer housing member 178 and grillewindows 180 so that light does not leak out to the outside.

Next, a lamp outer housing block 181 of the lamp housing unit 91 will bedescribed.

The front of the outer housing member 178 is an entrance opening of theinner housing block 154. In the front, there are screw holes for fixingthe inner housing and two fixing tables 182 where three portions of thelamp outer housing block 181 are cut and raised. On the left side of thelamp outer housing block 181, there are grille windows 180 for downwardventilation and vent holes 179. On the right side of the lamp outerhousing block 181, there are grille windows 180 for upward ventilationand vent holes 179. At the top of the lamp outer housing block 181,there is a grille portion 178a for providing an insulation distance,left and right positioning holes 183 of the lamp fixing plate 158, screwholes 184 for fixing an overheat protection safety switch, and a screwhole 185 for fixing a thermistor. In the rear of the lamp outer housingblock 181, there is a vertical air flow control portion 186 and ahorizontal air flow control portion 187 for allowing wind to blowagainst the surface of the lamp lighting tube 156 and the hottestportion of the heat insulation film. These portions 186 and 187 areformed by cutting and raising the lamp outer housing block 181. Inaddition, at a center position of the rear of the lamp outer housingblock 181, a light emitting opening 188 is formed. At a lower positionof the rear of the lamp outer housing block 181, a connector window 189is formed. In the rear of the lamp outer housing block 181, a rearmember 190 with high vertical accuracy and upper-lower positioningportions 191 are formed. Moreover, in the rear of the lamp outer housingblock 181, there are fixing holes 192 for fixing the lamp outer housingblock 181 to the base plate 90 and positioning holes 193 thereof.

Reference numeral 194 is a lamp connector plate for connecting a lampfemale connector 196 to a connector fixing portion 195 through aconnector bush 197.

There is a space between the connector bush 197 and the connector fixinghole 198. This space accommodates axial deviation of the connector. Alamp connector plate upper member 199 insulates the connector fromlight. In addition, the upper member 199 shields the connector from EMI.Reference numeral 200 is a ground terminal fixing portion. The lampfemale connector 196 has a guide slope for smooth connection.

When the inner housing block 154 is inserted into the outer housing 181,the vertical positioning portions 175 of the inner housing 154 arecontacted with the rear member 190 which is the reference surface of theouter housing 154. In addition, the upper-lower and left-rightpositioning portions 174 and 176 are contacted in positions. As aresult, the inner housing block 154 is correctly positioned.

A second embodiment of the case 70 will be described with reference toFIGS. 52 and 53.

Reference numeral 201 is an exhaust air drawing protection wall. Whenthe liquid crystal projector is installed in such a way that the rear ofthe case of the projector contacts a wall, this protection wall 201prevents the air intake opening from drawing exhausted warm air throughthe space between a case bottom 202 and the floor.

Next, a third embodiment of the case 70 will be described with referenceto FIGS. 54 and 55.

In this embodiment, the strength of the exhaust air drawing protectionwall 201 of the second embodiment is improved so that it can have thefunction of a foot.

As described above, fresh air drawn by the air intake fan 105 cools theliquid crystal light valves 7a, 7b, and 7c. Thereafter, the air flowsfrom the opening portion 101 of the drive board unit 100 upwardly. Next,the air merges with air coming from the side openings 120 of the airintake regulating plate 105 in the vertical direction and then cools thelamp stabilizer unit 96 and the power unit 95. Thereafter, the air cookthe lamp 1. Finally, the air is exhausted to the outside by the lamp fan147 and the air exhaust fan 143.

In the above-mentioned construction, the optical unit, which comprisesthe lamp housing unit, the liquid crystal light valves, the mirrors, thedichroic mirrors, and the projection lens, the air intake fan, the lampfan, the exhaust fan, and so forth are compactly accommodated in arectangular parallelepiped case so that an image mixed by at least threeliquid crystal light valves for forming color images is projected as apicture onto a screen by the projection lens. In addition, with the airintake regulating plate and the air branching plates, the air flow pathscan be branched and enlarged. Thus, the operability, durability,maintainability, and environmental properties are improved.

FIGS. 57 and 58 show a cooling means of the lighting unit of the liquidcrystal projector. FIG. 57 is a view showing the construction of thecooling means. The lamp 1 comprising a metal halide lamp 156 and a lampreflector 157 is fixed to a lamp fixing plate 158 and accommodated in alamp housing 207. A rear sealed portion 208 of the metal halide lamp 156is inserted into a lamp fixing portion 209 of the lamp reflector 157 andthen fixed with cement or the like. By connecting a front electrodeplate 210 and a rear electrode plate 163 of the metal halide lamp to thelamp stabilizer 96 disposed outside the lamp unit, the metal halide lamp156 can be lit. As the cooling means, the air exhaust fan 143 which isan axial flow fan having blades with an outer diameter equal to orlarger than the diameter of the opening portion of the lamp reflector157 is disposed near the lamp house 207. Thus, the air exhaust fan 143draws air through the inside of the lamp housing 207. On the sides ofthe lamp housing 207, there are air intake and exhaust holes for coolingthe lamp 1. Thus, air flows in the directions of the arrow in the lamphousing 207. In addition, at a position close to the lamp reflectoropening portion 214, the lamp fan 147 which is smaller than the diameterof the lamp reflector opening portion 214 is disposed.

When an axial flow fan is used for the lamp fan 147, the wind is widenedin the air blow direction. In addition, since the wind is twisted in therotating direction of the fan, the wind also flows to the regionsurrounded by the lamp reflector 157.

FIG. 58 is a side view of the cooling means. In the front of the airblow side of the lamp fan 147, an air regulating plate 216 is disposed.The air regulating plate 216 can accurately guide cold air directly tothe surfaces of the lighting robe 156 and the front sealed portion 156ain the direction of the arrows.

It should be noted that the lamp fan 147 can be a scirocco fan or across flow fan. In addition, the lamp fan 147 can be installed at anangle. Moreover, the blowing direction of the lamp fan 147 can bechanged in the range of the conventional blowing direction ±90°.

Further, the regulating plate 216 can be disposed in the lamp housing147 or midway between the lamp house 207 and the lamp fan 147.

In the above mentioned construction, after the metal halide lamp 156 isdischarged and lit, the air exhaust fan 213 cools the entire lamp 1. Inaddition, the lamp fan 147 and the regulating plate 216 produce airflows on the surfaces and peripheries of the lighting tube 156 and thefront sealed portion 156a, thereby improving the cooling effect. Inother words, the lamp fan 147 draws fresh air and causes wind to blowagainst the lamp reflector opening portion 214. Thus, an air flow can bepositively produced in the region surrounded by the reflection surfaceof the lamp reflector 157.

Thus, by decreasing the surface temperature of the quartz glass of thelighting tube 156° to 900° C. or below, the phenomenon where only theupper portion becomes opaque can be prevented. As a result, thedifferences of brightness and temperatures at upper and lower portionsof the lighting tube 156 can be reduced. In addition, when thetemperature of the front sealed portion 156a is decreased to 300° C. orbelow, the air insulation can be maintained for a long time. Thus, thelife of the lighting unit can be prolonged.

Thus, as the above-mentioned cooling means, by disposing another lampfan at a position adjacent to the reflector opening portion, air flowseffectively take place on the surface of the lighting tube and in thefront sealed portion in the region surrounded by the reflection surfaceof the lamp reflector. Therefore, the surface temperature of the quartzglass can be cooled to a required temperature or below. As a result, thephenomenon where part of the quartz glass becomes opaque does not takeplace. Consequently, the optical properties such as brightness and colortemperatures can be stabilized. In addition, when the temperature of thefront sealed portion is decreased to the required temperature or below,the air insulation of the metal halide lamp can be maintained for a longtime and thereby the life thereof can be prolonged. When this lightingunit is used in the liquid crystal color projector, projected pictureswhich are free of uneven intensity of illumination and uneven colors canbe accomplished. Moreover, in comparison with the related art, a metalhalide lamp with a long life can be obtained.

INDUSTRIAL UTILIZATION

The present invention is suitable for a projection type liquid crystalvideo projector which is small in size and light in weight, free ofuneven colors and deviation of pixels, and has high brightness and highmagnification.

1. A projector-type liquid crystal projector comprising a light source;a plurality of color separating means for separating light emitted bysaid light source into beams of blue, green and red colors; opticalmeans including image forming liquid crystal light valves and imagesynthesizing means for synthesizing images for the respective blue,green and red beams which are arranged in an optical path; and aprojection lens, said color separating means, said image forming liquidcrystal light valves, and said image synthesizing means being secured toa top surface of a box-shaped lower chassis by fixing members, an outercase being secured to side surfaces of said lower chassis separate fromsaid top surface.
 2. A projector-type liquid crystal projectorcomprising a light source, a plurality of color separating means forseparating light emitted by said light source into beams of blue, greenand red colors; optical means including image forming liquid crystallight valves and image synthesizing means for synthesizing images forthe respective blue, green and red beams which are arranged in anoptical path; and a projection lens, cooling fans being positioned in aplane over a surface on which said image forming liquid crystal lightvalves are secured, said image forming liquid crystal light valves beingoperatively associated with said cooling fans by being positioneddirectly in the path of cooling air produced by said cooling fans.
 3. Aprojector-type liquid crystal projector comprising a light source; aplurality of color separating means for separating light emitted by saidlight source into beams of blue, green and red colors; optical meansincluding image forming liquid crystal light valves and imagesynthesizing means for synthesizing images for the respective blue,green and red beams which are arranged in an optical path; and aprojection lens, said light source including a light tube and a lampreflector housed in a lamp housing; an exhaust fan being arranged nearone side surface of the lamp housing to cover one side surface of thelamp housing and exhaust air at said one side surface, a hole for airsuction and exhaust being formed in a second side surface of saidhousing opposed to said one side surface of said housing, a lamp fanbeing positioned further forward than an opening of the lamp reflectorand laterally of the lamp housing.
 4. A projector as claimed in claim 3,further comprising an air regulating plate for controlling air flow tothe light tube, said air regulating plate being disposed in the path offlowing air of said lamp fan.
 5. A liquid crystal projector, comprising:a light source including a light tube and a lamp reflector housed in alamp housing; a plurality of color separators that separate lightemitted by the light source into beams of blue, green and red colors;image forming liquid crystal light valves; an image synthesizer thatsynthesizes images for the blue, green and red beams respectively; aprojection lens; an exhaust fan arranged near a first side surface ofthe lamp housing; a lamp fan positioned further forward than an openingof the lamp reflector and laterally of the lamp housing; and an openingthrough which air is blown into the lamp housing by the lamp fan, theopening being formed in a second side surface of the lamp housing.
 6. Aprojector, comprising: a light source; separation optical elements thatseparate light emitted by the light source into beams of blue, green andred colors; liquid crystal light panels that modulate respective ones ofthe separated blue, green and red beams; a synthesizing optical systemthat synthesizes the modulated blue, green and red beams; a projectionlens that receives the synthesized light from the synthesizing opticalsystem; a chassis having a bottom member, wherein the separation opticalelements, the liquid crystal light panels and the synthesizing opticalsystem are secured so as to be constrained against movement relative tothe bottom member; and an outer case to which the chassis is secured. 7.A projector as claimed in claim 6, wherein the chassis further comprisesa plurality of walls, each of which is positioned substantiallyperpendicular to the bottom member.
 8. A projector as claimed in claim7, wherein the outer case is secured to the bottom member or any of theplurality of walls.
 9. A projector as claimed in claim 7, wherein thebottom member and the plurality of walls form an enclosure.
 10. Aprojector as claimed in claim 7, wherein at least one wall includes aprojection that extends substantially parallel to the bottom member. 11.A projector as claimed in claim 6, wherein the separation opticalelements include two dichroic mirrors.
 12. A projector as claimed inclaim 6, wherein the synthesizing optical system includes two dichroicsurfaces.
 13. A projector comprising: a light source including a lighttube and a lamp reflector housed in a lamp housing; separation opticalelements that separate light emitted by the light source into beams ofblue, green and red colors; liquid crystal light panels that modulaterespective ones of the separated blue, green and red beams; asynthesizing optical system that synthesizes the modulated blue, greenand red beams; a projection lens that receives the synthesized modulatedlight from the synthesizing optical system; an exhaust fan arranged neara first side surface of the lamp housing; a lamp fan positioned furtherforward than an opening of the lamp reflector and laterally of the lamphousing; and an opening through which air is blown into the lamp housingby the lamp fan, the opening being formed in a second side surface ofthe lamp housing.
 14. A projector as claimed in claim 13, furthercomprising an air regulating plate that controls air flow to the lighttube, the air regulating plate being disposed in a path of flowing airgenerated by the lamp fan.
 15. A projector as claimed in claim 13,wherein the separation optical elements include two dichroic mirrors.16. A projector as claimed in claim 13, wherein the synthesizing opticalsystem includes two dichroic surfaces.
 17. A projector as claimed inclaim 13, wherein the synthesizing optical system includes two dichroiclayers.
 18. A projector, comprising: a lamp housing having first andsecond side surfaces; a light source including a light tube and a lampreflector housed in the housing; a light valve that modulates lightemitted by the light source; a projection lens that receives themodulated light from the light valve; an exhaust fan arranged near thefirst side surface of the lamp housing; a lamp fan positioned furtherforward than an opening of the lamp reflector and laterally of the lamphousing; and an opening through which air is blown into the lamp housingby the lamp fan, the opening being formed in the second side surface ofthe lamp housing.
 19. A projector as claimed in claim 18, the exhaustfan being an axial flow fan.
 20. A projector as claimed in claim 18, thelamp fan being a scirocco fan.
 21. A projector as claimed in claim 18,further comprising: an air regulating section that guides air to aregion surrounded by a reflection surface of the lamp reflector.
 22. Aprojector as claimed in claim 21, the air regulating section beingdisposed in the lamp housing.
 23. A projector as claimed in claim 21,the air regulating section being disposed between the lamp housing andthe lamp fan.
 24. A projector as claimed in claim 18, furthercomprising: an air regulating section that controls air flow to thelight tube.
 25. A projector as claimed in claim 24, the air regulatingsection being disposed in a path of flowing air generated by the lampfan.
 26. A projector as claimed in claim 18, the exhaust fan havingblades with an outer diameter that is equal to or larger than a diameterof the opening of the lamp reflector.
 27. A projector as claimed inclaim 18, the lamp fan being smaller than a diameter of the opening ofthe lamp reflector.
 28. A projector as claimed in claim 18, the lamp fanbeing smaller than an outer diameter of blades of the exhaust fan.
 29. Aprojector as claimed in claim 26, the exhaust fan being an axial flowfan.
 30. A projector as claimed in claim 27, the lamp fan being ascirocco fan.
 31. A projector as claimed in claim 28, the exhaust fanbeing an axial flow fan.
 32. A projector as claimed in claim 28, thelamp fan being a scirocco fan.
 33. A projector as claimed in claim 18,further comprising: an air regulating section that guides air to aregion surrounded by a reflection surface of the lamp reflector, theexhaust fan having blades with an outer diameter that is equal to orlarger than a diameter of the opening of the lamp reflector.
 34. Aprojector as claimed in claim 18, further comprising: an air regulatingsection that guides air to a region surrounded by a reflection surfaceof the lamp reflector, the lamp fan being smaller than an outer diameterof blades of the exhaust fan.
 35. A projector as claimed in claim 18,further comprising: an air regulating section that controls air flow tothe light tube, the air regulating section being disposed in a path offlowing air generated by the lamp fan, the exhaust fan having bladeswith an outer diameter that is equal to or larger than a diameter of theopening of the lamp reflector.
 36. A projector as claimed in claim 18,further comprising: an air regulating section that controls air flow tothe light tube, the air regulating section being disposed in a path offlowing air generated by the lamp fan, the lamp fan being smaller thanan outer diameter of blades of the exhaust fan.
 37. A projector asclaimed in claim 18, the exhaust fan being an axial flow fan, and thelamp fan being positioned further forward than an axis of the exhaustfan.
 38. A projector as claimed in claim 26, the exhaust fan being anaxial flow fan, and the lamp fan being positioned further forward thanan axis of the exhaust fan.
 39. A projector as claimed in claim 28, theexhaust fan being an axial flow fan, and the lamp fan being positionedfurther forward than an axis of the exhaust fan.
 40. A projector asclaimed in claim 18, further comprising: a power unit, the lamp fanbeing disposed in a path of air flowing from the power unit to the lightsource.
 41. A projector as claimed in claim 18, further comprising: apower unit being located on the air intake side of the lamp fan.
 42. Aprojector as claimed in claim 18, further comprising: a power unit, andan optical unit including an optical part, the lamp fan being disposedbetween the power unit and the optical unit.
 43. A projector as claimedin claim 18, further comprising: a lamp stabilizing unit that stabilizesthe light emitted by the light source, the lamp fan being disposed in apath of air flowing from the lamp stabilizing unit to the light source.44. A projector as claimed in claim 18, further comprising: a lampstabilizing unit that stabilizes the light emitted by the light source,and an optical unit including an optical part, the lamp fan beingdisposed between the lamp stabilizing unit and the optical unit.